Satisfaction--The Other Side of the Coin

 

(This is a revised version of a post from 2011.)  

We read a lot about the frustrations in the writing life. There are plenty of them to face on a regular basis. Books on writing tend to concentrate more on the frustrations than the other side of the coin--satisfaction. A few of my thoughts on that subject follows.

One of the best parts of being a writer comes with the publication of your work. It’s comparable to a gift placed in a golden box and tied with a silver bow, your name on top. Here’s where the satisfaction side of the coin shows up. No matter how many times your work is published, it’s a pleasure. It definitely erases some of that frustration, which never disappears completely but can diminish and become of less importance with each success.

Sometimes satisfaction comes from the fulfillment in achieving a completed story, novel, article, or essay. Many writers begin a project and never finish. I’m willing to guess that most writers have folders with half-done projects. But it’s those completed pieces that allow satisfaction to enfold us like a soft, silken shawl. Revel in it when it occurs.

What joy there is when inspiration hits while we’re doing a mundane household task, or driving a carpool. Maybe a character begins to form in your mind when waiting for a bus, or a word you’ve sought reveals itself during a conversation with a friend.

Another form of satisfaction comes when an editor assigns a project and he/she manages to return it completed with all points covered. Writing on speculation is much easier than writing to a specified set of objectives. For assigned articles, a writer must do the research, write the first draft, revise and edit his/her work, then check to see if he/she’s covered everything asked for. Including all points needed requires good concentration and writing skill, so any satisfaction at the end is well-earned.

Escaping into another world while writing is one more form of satisfaction. While writing, we create a place of refuge, creativity, and personal meditation that can prove emotionally fulfilling.

Plan to keep the satisfaction side of the coin face up. It’s a lot more fun than the frustration side and is bound to make you a more productive, more creative writer.

Our poster today gives good advice. 'Never allow yourself to feel guilty for being happy.' In most cases, you've earned it. Scratch the guilt and savor the satisfaction.